Lynch loses comeback fight as BHA refuse to issue jockey's licence

Banned jockey Fergal Lynch has had his comeback hopes dashed by the BHA.

Lynch, who was fined £50,000 by the BHA in 2009 and agreed not to
ride in Britain for at least a year after a disciplinary inquiry into
his relationship with professional gambler Miles Rodgers, has been told
he is still not a suitable person to be granted a jockey's licence.

The 2009 punishment was handed out because of a long list of
misdemeanours headed by Lynch's admission that he had prevented Bond
City from winning at Ripon in August 2004 at Rodger's behest.

As a result, Lynch had his right to ride at Philadelphia Park, where
he forged a lucrative partnership with trainer brother Cathal,
suspended.

Although Lynch's application was supported by several British
trainers, he wants to ride again in the US even if authorities there
demand he must compete in Britain first.

But the BHA said: 'The grant of a licence to him would lead to doubt
and concern within horseracing and the general public with regard to its
honesty and integrity.'

Lynch, 33 yesterday, has seven days to appeal and his solicitor Rory Mac Neice said: 'He is naturally very disappointed. The offences took place in 2004 and, since then, Fergal has ridden in two jurisdictions without there being suggestion of any further breach of the rules.

'The committee makes it clear this decision does not prevent Fergal from making a licence application in the future. He is utterly committed to resuming his riding career.'